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During the era of ancient kings, Ruhuna was known as the granary of Sri Lanka. It had a wonderful system of irrigation, which helped convert the area into prosperous paddy lands.
The Sinhalese kings established an advanced irrigation system that maximized the use of rivers like the Walawe Ganga, Menik Ganga, Kirindi Oya, and Kumbukkan Oya for agriculture. Kings such as Mahanaga, Kavantissa, Dutugemunu (161-173 B.C.), Saddhatissa (137-119 B.C.), Walagambahu (103 B.C. and 89-77 B.C.), Illanga (33-43 A.D.), Wasabha (67-111 A.D.), Gajabahu I, Vijayabahu I, and Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 A.D.) developed this remarkable irrigation network by building reservoirs, anicuts, and channels.
Mahagal Wewa is situated 25 miles (45 km) from the town of Hambantota, sandwiched between the northern boundary of Hambantota District and the southern boundary of Badulla District. According to legend, this reservoir was built by King Mahanaga and later reconstructed by a local king called Mahasen. At present, the farmers of the Mahagal Wewa farming colony receive water from this reservoir for their paddy cultivation in the Maha season. When they experience drought, they have to travel miles and miles in search of water.
The reservoir is built daming the Maha Ara River. After being dilapidated for a long period, this was repaired recently in 1953. The catchment area of the reservoir is 37 sq. miles (96 sq km.), and its area of water spread is 240 acres at the full supply level. The length of the reservoir bund is 3900 feet (1.19 km). The extent irrigated under this reservoir is 276 acres (Arumugam, 1969).
The historic Padikemgala Raja Maha Viharaya lies on the borders of this reservoir.
References
- Arumugam, S. (1969). Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board (Sri Lanka).
Also See
- Hydro Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Mahagal Wewa
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Traveling to Mahagal Wewa
| Route from Hambantota to Mahagal Wewa |
| Through: Weerawila Distance: 37 km Travel time : 45 minutes Driving directions: see on Google map |
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